2008 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 61 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Laser (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1998 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Laser |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
